To achieve those requirements, 5468796 Architecture designed a project that could be prefabricated in a nearby factory.

Bloc10 is a condominium project that was designed by 5468796 Architecture for Green Seed Developments. The project sits on a site formerly occupied by a gas station in Winnipeg’s River Heights neighborhood. The developer wanted a modestly priced building that could be completed within 12 months. To achieve those requirements, 5468796 Architecture designed a project that could be prefabricated in a nearby factory. The panels were delivered to the site then assembled, which helped accelerate the construction schedule, improve quality control and reduce overall waste.

The 3-story building features 10 units that vary from studios to 3-bedroom units (sized between 900 and 1300 sq ft). The project was modeled after the ‘white-box’ concept, where each buyer purchases an unfinished unit with basic plumbing, heating and electrical systems. The owner can then decide where they want which rooms and finish the interior to their taste. Arranged like a 3D puzzle, the apartments interlock to create a unique layout that allows access to multiple sides of the building.

To build the project, wood was sustainably harvested from a number of sources including local white cedar, beetle kill cedar and western red cedar from British Columbia. The exterior is clad in white James Hardie panels that act as a rainscreen, and black stained cedar slats are installed around the patios to provide privacy and shading while still allowing for views and daylighting.